Who is considered a Duty Holder?

The concept of a Duty Holder in the context of occupational health and safety pertains to individuals or organizations that have a responsibility to ensure safety in the workplace. This role typically encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, such as identifying hazards, assessing risks, implementing safety measures, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

In this framework, the Duty Holder can be a manager, employer, or even a contractor who has control and influence over workplace activities and environments. Their primary role is to protect the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by their operations.

While other roles, such as those involved in filing reports or overseeing compliance audits, contribute to maintaining safety standards, they do not carry the same overarching responsibility for ensuring a safe working environment. Similarly, regulatory bodies enforce safety standards, but they do not directly manage or control any workplace, which is the key function of a Duty Holder. This distinction is crucial for understanding the responsibilities tied to different roles within an organization regarding health and safety.